So here I was scrambling through the week trying to figure out a menu for two weeks that would allow us to eat somewhat nutritiously but stay within the dreaded envelope. Sent to the store to fend for myself I ended up going over budget $3 and didn't get coffee. No coffee!!! Surely I would give up a couple of dinners for coffee! I needed to rectify this situation. Luckily my husband is merciful and picked some up before I woke up and I had a fresh, hot cup of coffee waiting for me as I drug my butt out of bed. I still needed to make up for my "overdraw" though. I had a birthday present I needed to buy. I decided to head over to Kohl's because I had a $10 coupon off of a $20 purchase, then I got a $5 coupon for signing up for e-mails from them, then I found online another 15% off coupon. Surely these should help me out. Popped the kids in the car and was on my way.
First I stopped in the baby section because I can never pass up buying my kids clothes and I needed to spend at least $20 so I picked up an adorable little jacket for Zaya, originally it was 20.00 but it was marked down to 8.99. Then off to the girls section for a birthday gift. I found the cutest little dress, originally 34.00 marked down to 13.60. I met my goal of over $20 and I knew I better get out while I was still in the black. I proudly lined up all of my coupons and handed the lady my items. Then she said it and I about jumped up and down..."6.90 please." WooHoo!!! 6 dollars and 90 cents for an original cost of $54! YEAH I should have jumped up and down and threw a party!!! I can be a bargain shopper! Maybe this budget thing won't be too bad after all. I just have to be a little creative.
Today I'm grateful for coupons!
=) I just recently started using coupons at the grocery store. I even bought a coupon organizer and everything. Did you know that on Publix BOGO items, you can use TWO coupons, because technically youre buying TWO items. So.. lets say, Coffee. 10 bucks for a bag. But, now its BOGO. AND I have 2 coupons for a 1.50 off each. So, I am now getting 2 bags of coffee for less then the price of one! Its really pretty awesome. Time consuming, but cool. I am now buying 4 sunday news papers and cuting all the coupons, because (another cool tidbit I have learned) coupons and publix go hand in hand! Every item that you see in the sunday paper, that is also sold at publix, is guranteed to be on sale or BOGO before the coupons expiration date! Awesome, huh? Last week, I spent $24.00 at publix.. and SAVED $26.00! I got $50 worth of groceries for $24! =) I am greatful for coupons also!
ReplyDeletePs- Sorry for my coupon rant. lol
I am so going to figure out how to do this coupon thing! I desperately need a boost to our food/hygiene/shoes/clothes/gift budget! :) Thanks for the encouragement. I've heard a lot about this truecouponing.com. Going to do more research! :)
ReplyDeleteI added myself to follow your blog. You are more than welcome to visit mine and become a follower if you want to.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless You
~Ron
Jaime - Love your blog. I follow it as I have time and often find myself going back to catch-up. I just love looking at the photos you take. You have amazing talent.
ReplyDeleteI read your blog today and I just wanted to give you some encouragement. We started the cash envelope system a few years ago (at least 3 or 4). At first it was difficult, but I have come to love it. I like knowing exactly what I have to spend. Of course, sometimes it can be a challenge but after being debt free for over 2 years it was totally worth the sacrifice! :) You can do it!
There is a great website out there called www.thegrocerygame.com. I used it for a while but now I mainly shop on base.